Northern Ireland IT firm Kainos has unveiled an £8m research and development investment as it also announces a smartphone app for patients of the NHS.

Health Minister Jeremy Hunt has said the app will "revolutionise the way we access health services". The app, developed by the Belfast-based plc, will be available in September.

And from December, patients will be able to use it to book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions and check their symptoms.

Kainos chief executive Brendan Mooney said: "We are delighted to be a part of the NHS digital transformation story and we are now focused on working closely with NHS Digital to deliver an outstanding service for patients."

The app will also allow people access to their medical records, tell the NHS about their wishes for end-of-life care, and register as organ donors.

Mr Hunt told The Times: "I want this innovation to mark the death knell of the 8am scramble for appointments that infuriates so many patients."

News of the app came as Kainos announced an £8m investment in a new research and development project to help build its reputation in global software solutions.

It will be directed towards development of Kainos' automated testing platform, Kainos Smart™ - designed for exclusive use with software from US giant Workday.

Invest NI has offered Kainos £2.4m of research and development support towards the project. Invest NI director Tracy Meharg said Kainos was using R&D to drive future growth.